May 28, 2024

SUMMER WEEK TWO | Embracing Summer Heat and Fresh Harvests

Welcome to the second week of our Summer CSA! This week has brought a wave of intense heat to the farm, reminding us of the warmer summer predicted for this year. Our team has been diligently working to ensure our drip irrigation system is in top condition, and our box garden structures, installed last year, are proving their worth once again. These structures, with the help of various types of shade cloth, have significantly helped our dahlias thrive in the Alabama heat. While dahlias love the sun, the extreme temperatures can be challenging, so this year we feel more prepared and excited to see the results of our heat management strategies.

Excitingly, we welcomed a late arrival to our farm last week—a new baby goat! It's a delightful reminder that spring still has a presence at Stone Hollow. On the planting front, we are busy with our sequential planting method, particularly with our dahlia tubers. This technique, whether used in our box gardens or fields, allows us to stagger harvests, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh produce and flowers. Sequential planting helps us manage our time efficiently and provides our members with a longer season of their favorite items.

As for this week’s harvest, it’s bittersweet to announce the end of our salad greens for the season. While some of you may miss them, we are excited about the bounty that summer brings. Our onions are here to stay and are exceptionally delicious. We’re also eagerly anticipating the melons, with the first batch expected next week. Among the many varieties, the small French melons with their sweet, white flesh are a personal favorite. They are perfect for a refreshing snack or a fun summer margarita—stay tuned for that recipe!